MERCHANTWISE LICENSING HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY ITV STUDIOS TO REPRESENT SCHITT’S CREEK IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The Canadian comedy that became a global megahit is now being represented by Merchantwise Licensing in both Australia and New Zealand on behalf of ITV Studios.
Schitt’s Creek originally aired on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp.), but the quirky comedy quickly gained a foothold internationally after being picked up by Netflix, Now in Germany, TV4 in Scandinavia, and Canal+ in France.
The story centres on filthy-rich video store magnate Johnny Rose, his soap star wife Moira, and their two spoiled-rotten kids—uber-hipster son David and socialite daughter Alexis—who suddenly find themselves broke after Johnny’s accountant embezzles his fortune. The once-wealthy family is then forced to live in a small, economically depressed town they once bought as a joke. With their pampered lives behind them, the Rose family must confront their newfound poverty and discover what it means to be a family, all within the small city limits of Schitt’s Creek, their new home.
What really made Schitt’s special, and won it almost universal critical acclaim, was the message of tolerance and community acceptance the show delivered every week, ending with the wedding of son David and his boyfriend Patrick Brewer in the final season.
Merchantwise Licensing has already secured support from local partner Caprice Australia for apparel, footwear, headwear, bags, fabrics and cushions. Also on board is Merch Mother who will develop products across the homewares, gifts and apparel categories.
Licensing opportunities will also be sought by Merchantwise Licensing across other categories including consumer electronics, food and beverage, gardening and outdoor, room décor, personal care, puzzles and games as well as consumer promotions and stationery and paper goods.
“We are pleased to commence this licensing partnership with ITV Studios,” said Merchantwise Licensing’s General Manager, Kerryn McCormack. “Schitt’s Creek enjoys great broadcast success in Australia and New Zealand across Netflix, ABC Comedy and Foxtel.
“With its historic nine Emmy awards last year, two Golden Globes wins and two Critics’ Awards in 2021, Schitt’s Creek combines great comedic storytelling with fabulous characters and an impressive cast line-up which will ensure its Australian and New Zealand retail licensing success,”
Merchantwise Licensing is part of the Merchantwise Group, a full-service brand agency headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with offices in Sydney and Paris. The Merchantwise Group undertakes creative and digital marketing, promotions, brand licensing and extensions for some of the world’s best loved brands.